Installing the flatbed on my Dodge 1 ton

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Well it begins, slowly but surely.  I had the bed sandblasted and then shot primerjust to clean it up some.  I removed the old wood.  Using the plasma cutter I removed over 1/2 of the  beam support front to rear and matched the curve/angle of the frame as it  rose.   We already have the B&W Gooseneck assy fully installed.  Next, I spent some time eyeballing small fit  so hopefully I would clear everything as it sat down on the truck.  I missed two small places but I'll get those done when I take it off.   It clears the Gooseneck nicely, and this time I'm using 1/2" oak strips laid on the frame to cushion the bed and truck frame.  I'll bolt it to existing supports near the front and add a piece midships and rear to bolt to.  No holes will need to be drilled in the truck frame.  The hardest part is clearing the plastic gas tank. Sheesh... but that is now aok too. Paint and final bracing and then back on the second time to bolt it down.   I'll be slow, so this will be a slow thread I'm sure. Attached ImagesLincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Great to see you getting around to this. What are you going to do about reinforcing the bed now that you've cut the original to fit the truck?Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Being perfectly honest I don't like the wood strips on these beds. They start out nice and tight and eventually loosen up once the wood dries out. I prefer bolting them directly to the frame using steel shims if needed, Then everything seems to stay tighter. I have never seen any damage resulting from using wood, just loose bolts over time and squeaks between the wood and frame. Not a huge deal either way, just my opinion. Nice bed BTW.
Reply:The 4" beams I cut out will be cut down and reinstalled between the crossmemebers aft of the gooseneck hitch.  That way they will rest on the frame midships and rear and box the bed.  What to do at the rise as the frame and bed transition before the hitch is a ?  Box that, cut the end off and leave it or ?   Open to thoughts there for sure.    This oak is very well aged but I agree here in Az wood dries out a lot and moisture comes and goes..  We had a great discussion on what to use  when I did the last bed about two years ago.  We ended up with thin plastic.  Why is it cold here?  Supposed to be nice right now, like 75 degrees,  but 50 degrees and wind sucks!  I will be marking the points for holes and cuts today and removing the bed.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:My description is not so keen, maybe a pic would help. The bed is now free and on support to work on it.  Here is a pic of a piece of the original cut out  linear 4" brace, cut down to fit between the laterals and ready to weld in.  If that looks good to you or? Irish I'd appreciate the thoughts.   I will relieve the new wood boards a bit with a rounter to clear these braces. It will be flat on bottom to rest on the 1/2" oak padding.Tomorrow make the other brace, cut holes for the gas lines to fit thru and  drill holes needed, and GRIND;(  the rough spots from cuts etc. nice and smooth.  grinding is not fun... just sayin'ps: the bed was originally installed on a 1985 truck (about 25+ years old)... and beyond the  little primer and minor blasting is not really rusty at all, don't ya' just love AZ steel. Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 12-07-2011 at 05:16 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:I think the brace if fine for what is. However how are you going to tie it with the back brace? That's what I was getting at.  I think there should be some kind of support running from front to back in some fashion (besides the truck frame and the sides of the bed). Two options I see.  One is the make more like the front support and place them a little more outboard all the way front to back. I would like to see them cut so that the webbing goes all the way into the cross purloin on the open side. The other would be to go below and outboard of the frame with something. Say a piece of square tubing run front to back. Say a piece of 2" 1/8" or 3/16" wall would probably be enough.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:You'd have to weave it  sheesh.  There are many obstacles in the way like shock mounts etc... along the frame.  I'll take a looksee this am.  The idea, if I understand it, is to improve the suppoort clear from front to rear.   I could add another piece inserted outboard of the Gooseneck hitch between the crossmembers and then add some support points along the frame ... angle iron bolted in to existing holes in the truck frame and welded to the flatbed frame.   The gooseneck hitch doesn't have any contact to this bed... it bolts directly to the frame only.   I won't be carrying that much weight... but i do see that someone else someday might.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:You are right about the cold. I got snow last week, at 2000 feet elevation.
Reply:Originally Posted by PapaLionYou'd have to weave it  sheesh.  There are many obstacles in the way like shock mounts etc... along the frame.  I'll take a looksee this am.  The idea, if I understand it, is to improve the suppoort clear from front to rear.   I could add another piece inserted outboard of the Gooseneck hitch between the crossmembers and then add some support points along the frame ... angle iron bolted in to existing holes in the truck frame and welded to the flatbed frame.   The gooseneck hitch doesn't have any contact to this bed... it bolts directly to the frame only.   I won't be carrying that much weight... but i do see that someone else someday might.
Reply:I can install addtional support outboard of the gooseneck hitch, which will tie the rails all together front to rear and side to side. It goes more or less above the inside dually.  I will do that after it is installed this next time, so I can see the details for clearance.  This would mean that the length is tied together.    Finally I'm ok right at the very rear.  It will  have about a 4" square plate that welds to the bed and then bolts to the truck frame  outboard on each side of the frame.   If I had chsoen to attach the goosenck to  the bed I'd be more worried.  I know you have way way more knowledge on this, so I'll proceed carefully,  take pics as I go and if we get to a dangerous point then we'll re think the approach.   It works well down lower, easier to get to and sits nicely on the truck.   I have the pics you sent of your installs and I look at those some too. Crazee weather, no snow,  but chilly, cool damp air?  Nite time the water troughs have a 1/4" of ice?  The goats are confused What the hey, you'd think it was Iowa.  I used to rope near Cave Creek,  many moons ago, like 1973 or so..  UR welcome here if it gets too cool for ya' "up north"..Last edited by PapaLion; 12-08-2011 at 08:18 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:If you want to make sure the wood in the deck never has to be replaced again is to mop it down 3-4 times with a 50/50 mix of diesel & used motor oil. Use it top, bottom and sides, especially the end grain. Do this before install and the wood may outlast the frame. Even pressure treated wood will rot out after several years, but not if treated in this manner. There is no commercially available wood preservative that will hold a candle to how well this works. Any wood project that will be out in the weather will benefit from this treatment in longevity. When appied let it soak in till it feels dry, then do it again like said 3/4 time minimum, more caint hurt none. Make sure everything is cut to fit and holes drilled before treatment so the oil can soak into all the cracks, crevices and holes for maximum penetration. It will make the wood darker like a stain would, but you can forget about ever getting paint to stick afterward.
Reply:Thanks much Bistineau  that sounds good.   Oak is too spendy, so I'm thinking Pine.  I  can get very keen clear Pine in San Diego?  Or maybe there is a better wood.   I've a ways to go before I do the wood. La is mostly just way way East Texas ya' knowLincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Most likely it would alright as is. I just like to see something at least tying the front and back together.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Originally Posted by PapaLionLa is mostly just way way East Texas ya' know
Reply:Originally Posted by PapaLionThanks much Bistineau  that sounds good.   Oak is too spendy, so I'm thinking Pine.  I  can get very keen clear Pine in San Diego?  Or maybe there is a better wood.   I've a ways to go before I do the wood. La is mostly just way way East Texas ya' know
Reply:When Alaska joined the Union we used to joke about global wrming... it'd be the size of New Hampshire if the ice melted.   Course you can't say too much, Alaska fellas are very sensitive. I  have been to La 3 x as I recall.  New Orleans is definitely one of the most fascinating cities in the U.S. and world included really.  The food and music are as good as the world can offer.   My family hails from Big Thicket east Texas mostly way back and most live around San Antonio.  I drifted  West as a young fella and have never had the opportunity to go back to live.ps; La fellas are bit sensitive too I see  My point is just the two states are very similar in countryside and etc. both worth a visit, pretty and fun. Clear i.e not many knots of any size.  course. Price is better than oak  by about 30% but more than Lowes for their everyday stuff.          Today>  I cannot say much for overhead or even vertical welding with my MIG ... or any day for that matter.  Sheesh, Crouched down under the bed didn't help. Beads were terrible  and the end results were  mediocre frankly.  My verticals were a bit better ... barely, kinda globby in places ...  I am resigned to be a position 1 welder with steady support to even get  a decent weld at all.  I'd love to blame my 215 or weather or my old eyes etc... but there are some beautful welds on this bed elsewhere so it can be done well.  I  believe it could be  me??  Nah... no wayLast edited by PapaLion; 12-09-2011 at 07:20 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Gotta make them welds look real perdy cause if you use that transparent pine everybody will be able to see'em But if you use the wood treatment I suggested, when it stains the wood to a darker color it may not be as apparent That wood treatment works wonders though seriously. I've done some and even laying on the ground in our wet climate IT WILL NOT ROT. If you want to, every 10 years or so you can re-apply with a pump up sprayer just to be sure, if you have saved up enough used oil by then.Is that an old Australian Shepard in your avatar or a Blue Healer?Last edited by Bistineau; 12-09-2011 at 07:51 PM.
Reply:I'm going to do that technique for the wood.  That's Crazee Kellie, who disappeared about a year ago from the yard.  ? We searched high and low. She is a Blue Heeler, we miss her.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:[QUOTE=Bistineau;583255]If you want to make sure the wood in the deck never has to be replaced again is to mop it down 3-4 times with a 50/50 mix of diesel & used motor oil./QUOTE]I use concrete form oil. It's clear and scented, and actually smells really good."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Who was it that decided to have several cold wet windy days? Not me.  Got some done but the game got called with fog.  My wife called out to the ranchita >" Are you still out there dear?" It is getting cold and raining a little."  translate.  Get your butt in outa that wind and rain pronto.  I answered that I was cleaning up and near done.I went and got some 1 1/2" I.D. Schedule 40 mild steel pipe Monday am.  It measures 1 7/8" O.D. and works very well in my Enerpac pipe bender. I got a shoe that just fits it well and it bends 90 degrees with very little distortion.  By the way, you cannot bend tube at all  crumples it like Reynolds wrap, but heavy pipe, yup does that well.  It came with a small roll around foot operated electric hydraulic pump.  That saves me a lot of hand pumping.  I made  examples of all the pipe I had around when I got it,  So you simply mark a 90 degree angle on the concrete, lay down the example which is marked at the apex pivot point and marked where the bender end guides meet the pipe. Note where those ends are, (how much pipe in the bend itself) add however much you want at each end and that tells you how long a pipe to cut.  Easier to do than describe.  The pipe spings back a bit so a pure 90 degree usually means two or three passes in the bender to get it very close to a 90 degree bend.  I this case, the one on the passenger side will hold the spare vertically, the one on the drivers side is to help contain and tie down  gear, maybe a box will get incorporated...AND my German hard head cannot make a Right, without amatchig LEFT.   Symmetry in all things  I am  inviting suggestions on where the Horseshoes should go on this project? pics enclosed, last one is the tire support clamped in just to eyeball the  work. Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 12-14-2011 at 01:36 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Originally Posted by PapaLion...AND my German hard head cannot make a Right, without amatchig LEFT...
Reply:Ok, finally it is sitting on the truck and bolted down.  I will add two more  places to bolt it down  and the receiver hitch has only one bolt on each side now, so more to do there of course.  It is a class 4 hitch Lots to do, no surprise to those who hae done this... wiring will be easy, the factory harness is ready to go.  The headache rack is painted against the cab and the rest will be done on the truck.. color> MANLY greyThanks to Irish and others who helped me get a handle on this. Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 01-02-2012 at 04:50 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Looks great from here. Just gotta get it finished.   You're more than welcome for the help. Wish I was closer so I could of done more.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:nice work well done,nice looking hydraulic lift, you build it yourself?
Reply:Hi Catman,  no, it is an old Walker I got from surplus Govt sale. The cylinder wore out, Irish helped me find new seals... but in the meantime I had lost the other two seals... comedy of errors. With no choice I reluctantly bought a HF cylinder, redid the bottom and mounted it. The shaft rusted (in AZ) in a week, I doubt that one will finish the year.  I use it all the time.  Thanks Irish, yes it would be fun to be closer. I'd probably become a wrench handler/sidekick and spend some days having a blast watching and hopefully helping you redo big stuff.   We could make a TV realty show called  ~Yup we can do it~ course the "we" is U doing and me videoing The next big hurdle is to get the gas line to the tank... same problem I had on the Chevy... I'll head scratch it awhile.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools